How I fixed my webcam issue

[aperry]

Thanks. I'm debating whether to try this. Don't want to screw it up even worse and void the warranty.

Aaron

[AKNorth]

I just got off of an online chat session seeking a way to fix the the dark webcam issue. Tech support offered a driver and bios solution that provided a marginal improvement to the issue. Here is an excerpt of the dialogue:

Rex : Are you in Device manager now?
AKNorth : yes
Rex : Right click on USB video device and select uninstall.
AKNorth : ok
Rex : Then install the Webcam driver from the following link.
Rex : ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33544.exe
AKNorth : okay
Rex : Also install the Bios update from the following link.
Rex : Bios update:
Rex : ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp41501-42000/sp41906.exe

Note that the webcam driver was installed with a fresh reboot prior to installing the bios upgrade.

Here is an image with the new upgrades: http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture004nx5.jpg

I have an HP Mini 1000 running XP OS. Service Tag = 1033CL
Hopefully this will provide an additional less invasive option.

[achi10]

I don't think it's software based at all --- but it could be...the plastic film over the lens improves the image DRAMATICALLY.

While still not the best, it is actually USABLE now!

[blew888]

I tried the new drivers, there is a slight improvement compared to what was looking at. HP still needs to make adjustments to the driver, but works good here. I am at a Starbucks with lots of light above me, it was dark before, now I can actually see more of myself.

[achi10]

I'm not sure if driver updates are going to fix the solution...

With that tinted film cover over the lens, I think some physical intervention is going to have to ensue to get the cam working properly.

I tried the driver on mine plus removing the film cover --- I don't see a difference. I think removing the film cover is going to be the best possible solution to this problem.

[fscuttle]

Here's what HP emailed me:

" an issue like this “Webcam too dark to use in indoor” is not an issue, it is by design. The webcam needs significant background lighting.
Also be aware the webcam is a 0.3 megapixel cam, it is not very high resolution and images will appear “grainy”. This is normal.".

It isn't a big deal to me but it would be nice if it worked better for those rare video calls.

[AKNorth]

I had read somewhere that performance of the webcam can also be influenced based on the application in which it is being used. I tested on Skype and adjusted the webcam settings within the program. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to adjust the image significantly (for the better). The discovery is especially good for me as I use the webcam mainly for skype videoconferencing. Would be curious if others have the same positive experience.

[achi10]

To increase brightness, contrast etc, I'm using the VIMICRO HP WEBCAM drivers --- the software works well and applies permanent changes across other software apps.

However, I'm not sure where I put the downloaded drivers --- I actually think it's in this thread somewhere, but can't find them.

That horrible HP naming convention (e.g. sp30038.exe) is killing me. Sorry.

But if someone can find it, please post! These drivers couples with the removal of the dark tint film is about as good as it gets I guess.

[Mako]

I just got off of an online chat session seeking a way to fix the the dark webcam issue. Tech support offered a driver and bios solution that provided a marginal improvement to the issue. Here is an excerpt of the dialogue:

Rex : Are you in Device manager now?
AKNorth : yes
Rex : Right click on USB video device and select uninstall.
AKNorth : ok
Rex : Then install the Webcam driver from the following link.
Rex : ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33544.exe
AKNorth : okay
Rex : Also install the Bios update from the following link.
Rex : Bios update:
Rex : ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp41501-42000/sp41906.exe

Note that the webcam driver was installed with a fresh reboot prior to installing the bios upgrade.

Here is an image with the new upgrades: http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture004nx5.jpg

I have an HP Mini 1000 running XP OS. Service Tag = 1033CL
Hopefully this will provide an additional less invasive option.

That solution didn't work for everone, mine rejected the drivers every time... I got tired of waiting for HP to program around the issue of the lens being too dark.
I need to take a better quality picture, I just did a general quick image and didn't focus it for my camera.


I've been using skype video all day and noone seems to have any complaints so I'm happy.

[brett8187]

Also if anyone knows of a program to control the webcam in general for since some applications don't have controls built in to them, please let me know as I now have the issue of there being light!

a safer way to do this is to tune the camera through software. Logitech's webcame software is great, not sure if it'll work or not but it may, worth a shot. You can adjust it for "low light" situations aka what the tint does. This webcam is super cheap so I didnt expect much to begin with.

[Mako]

Also if anyone knows of a program to control the webcam in general for since some applications don't have controls built in to them, please let me know as I now have the issue of there being light!

a safer way to do this is to tune the camera through software. Logitech's webcame software is great, not sure if it'll work or not but it may, worth a shot. You can adjust it for "low light" situations aka what the tint does. This webcam is super cheap so I didnt expect much to begin with.

I tried their software, didn't do anything. I was mostly being sarcastic on the amount of light, I'd just like the ability to tune the picture on the camera a bit because hp didn't include software...Also the logitech software didn't work.

I tend to use mine outdoors, and in simi low light conditions.. That tint on the lens was just too overkill.

[aperry]

Here's what HP emailed me:

" an issue like this “Webcam too dark to use in indoor” is not an issue, it is by design. The webcam needs significant background lighting.
Also be aware the webcam is a 0.3 megapixel cam, it is not very high resolution and images will appear “grainy”. This is normal.".

It isn't a big deal to me but it would be nice if it worked better for those rare video calls.

I really hope this isn't going to be HP's party line on the issue. There is no way that a completely unusable webcam is "by design".